Bosnia and Herzegovina: Introduction

Total Population: 3,760,149

Annual Growth Rate: -0.2%

Density: 73 Inhabitants/km²

Urban Population: 48.6%

Ethnic Origins: Bosniak 48%, Serb 37.1%, Croat 14.3%, other 0.6%

Official Language: Bosnian, Croatian, Serbian

Other Languages Spoken: Romani (Vlax) is a language of Bosnian gypses.

Business Language(s): English

Religion: Muslim 40%, Orthodox 31%, Roman Catholic 15%, Others 14%.

Literacy Rate: 96.7%

Area: 51,210 km²

Type of State: Bosnia and Herzegovina is a con-federal democratic republic. Being a "compound" state is in line with the General Framework Agreement for Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Dayton, Paris, 1995). It consists of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (51% of territory, majority of Croats and Bosniaks) and the Republic of Srpska (49% of territory, Serbian majority). Another "sub-entity" is called Brcko (because of the city of Brcko), which was a subject of disputes and international arbitrage. Thus, Bosnia and Herzegovina has two entities and the Brcko District.

The Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republic of Srpska are entities having their own constitutions, which have to be in conformity with the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Brcko was put under the administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a separate district.

The leading international civil agency in Bosnia and Herzegovina is the Office of the High Representative which is obliged to oversee implementation of the civil aspects of the Dayton peace agreement (1995). High Representative - who is also EU Special Representative - represents the ultimate authority in terms of the Peace Agreements` interpretation. High Representative is authorized to pass laws, if considered necessary, remove officials that obstruct activities from their posts and coordinate activities with other international organizations.

Type of Economy: Lower-middle-income economy.
A steadily growing and developing economy affected by war devastation, high unemployment, low purchasing power and grey economy.

HDI*: 0.710/1

HDI (World Rank): 68/169

Telephone Code:
To Make a Call From Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dial 00
To Make a Call to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dial +387

Internet Suffix: .ba

Telephone Lines: 27.3 per 100 Inhabitants

Internet Users: 34.7 per 100 Inhabitants